7/31 Camp Recap: Chiefs work red zone, Sherman talks Charles & more

The Kansas City Chiefs practiced Thursday morning on the campus of Missouri Western State University at Training Camp

A good portion of Thursday’s Chiefs practice involved red-zone work in 11-on-11 drills, but for the first time since the pads have come on they didn’t tackle to the ground.

Reid spoke after practice about the red zone offense and defense.

“I thought there were some good things on both sides,” Reid said. “They kind of traded back and forth. We did all 1-vs-1, 2-vs-2 [and] 3-vs-3 work, so I thought overall there were some good things. There are some things we need to work on both sides.”

The offensive line continues to see several different faces rotate through in different groups. Rookie Zach Fulton took the majority of reps with the first team today at right guard.

“Zach’s a tough kid,” Reid said. “Again, he’s young. He’s learning. But he sure is ahead of what you think a rookie would be ahead of.”

In regards to the offensive line as a whole, Reid said that nothing is settled and that there’s competition everywhere.

“They’re working through it,” Reid said. “We’re rotating guys in [and] giving everybody opportunities at different spot, and then we’ll come out with the five best guys and we’re rolling.”

One player who has been going up against these offensive linemen every day is outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who has been impressed with veteran Jeff Allen’s ability to play multiple positions.

“I’m very impressed with number 71 on our team (G Jeff Allen),” Hali said. “He’s able to play guard and he’s able to play tackle and I’m going against him and he’s stoned me a couple times. I’m very impressed with him.”

Talking with the media after practice, fullback Anthony Sherman spoke about how much further along the offense is right now than they were a year ago.

“This year we’re a lot further along,” Sherman said. “It wasn’t starting from square one during OTAs. We started from the basics, but then we could move a lot quicker, understanding our schemes and understanding what they want of us.

“And camp so far is definitely a little easier just because you’re not in the playbook going ‘What is going on?’ every single day. You’re taking steps forward in a quicker pace now than we were last year.”

Blocking for Jamaal Charles, one of the most exciting players in the NFL right now, isn’t something Sherman takes for granted.

Asked if he takes pride in blocking for Charles, Sherman was quick to answer.

“Oh, absolutely,” Sherman said. “I mean he’s one of the greatest running backs in the game right now and I think it’s just an awesome experience to be with him and watch him work on a day-to-day basis. He’s got one of the greatest work ethics around.”